I watch Bandit and his companion weave through the tables and find a seat.

“Let’s sit over there!” I blurt, pointing to a table on the opposite side of the ballroom. It’s all the way on the right and has a dubious view of the stage, but Dad, Archie, and Zeke follow me without protest. Over the years, they’ve witnessed me doing things like put ketchup on everything—pizza, waffles, even soup. I guess they no longer question my eccentric decisions.

We arrive at the table, and I stumble on the slick floor. Just my luck, Lee Jenkins and our classmate Cristela Ruiz are already sitting there, along with a gorgeous woman with glossy black hair and big brown eyes who must be Cristela’s mother.

With an effort, I shape my lips into a smile. According to Principal Bui’s brag over the intercom, Silver Oak always has a good showing at the Newhouse awards, so it’s fitting that our top female student is also present. Lee Jenkins, on the other hand? School bully and most likely to be expelled? As much as I hate to admit it, the guy’s probably smart, since he’s a student at our prestigious school. But judging from the arm he’s slung around Cristela, he’s more likely her date.

Two more students from my school. Two more people to add to my candidate pool.

“Well, well, well,” Lee drawls. “Look who’s here, and out of his smelly clothes! How’s it hanging, Archie? Couldn’t get a date other than the little sis? Nice tie, by the way. Where’d you get it? The dollar store?”

Archie fidgets with his sleeves, not meeting any of our eyes.

I’m not a violent person, never have been. But for once, I feel like I could be. I almost hope that Lee is the Maker. How hard can it be to kill someone this nasty? Zeke and I move toward Archie at the same time, but Zeke gets there first and places a reassuring hand on my brother’s shoulder.

Cristela knocks away Lee’s arm. “Stop it,” she says sternly. “You’re here with me. An old family friend. And only because my girlfriend dumped me last week. So it’s not like you’re doing any better.”

Lee opens his mouth, probably to say something offensive. Before he can respond, Cristela jumps up. “Are you sitting with us? How fun!” To her credit, her voice shakes only a little. She gives us a tentative smile. “Archie, I think you look dashing. So lovely to see you in a suit. And I’m so glad you’re here, Alice. It’s always nice to have another girl at these events.”

I look around the ballroom and realize what she means. The men outnumber the women at least two to one.